While technology infrastructure such as WiFi routers are never a “sexy” topic, they are among the most important elements. A good WiFi system is the backbone to the whole technology question. As we add more and more devices to our home WiFi systems, increased capacity and reliability are simply becoming must haves.
We’ve all experienced it – you get to the basement and the signal goes dark. Maybe it’s when you are in the backyard watching the kids play by the pool and you no longer have Wifi. Let’s face it, we live in a world where one standard WiFi router won’t cut it. Linksys® is presenting a new solution that could help resolve the pains of WiFi dark zones in your home.
Velop™, is Linksys’ answer to a Whole Home Wi-Fi product. Velop is a Tri-Band modular Wi-Fi system that can be installed in various mesh configurations providing fast and reliable Wi-Fi to the edge of a home network. Velop is designed for performance as well as elegance; it’s small enough to be placed anywhere with a clean and attractive look that appeals to everyone. Velop helps users get the most out of their broadband subscription by delivering 100% of their Internet speed to the edge of their network. Velop is available in 3-pack, 2-pack and 1-pack options. The size of your home determines the right unit size. Linksys is launching Velop globally with retail, ecommerce, and service provider partners, including Best Buy, Amazon, Curry’s, PC World, and PCCW. The system starts at $199 and depending on the size of your home can be as much as $499 for the 3-unit bundle (see more details below) this is in-line with good quality WiFi routers currently on the market.
If you decide to upgrade to a Velop here is a quick tutorial on setting it up:
Ease-of-use: Simplifying Setup and Demystifying the Wi-Fi Interface
The Linksys app (formerly known as the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi app) is completely redesigned and includes an innovative app-led setup process for Velop. The entire setup flow happens within the app and uses Bluetooth to securely communicate between the mobile device and the nodes. This resolves a critical issue in the installation of a new Wi-Fi network: when the user customizes the network name to their liking the app maintains a connection to Velop and does not force the user to exit the app and change Wi-Fi settings on the mobile device. The app presents animated visuals and thoughtful troubleshooting instructions to guide even the most novice Wi-Fi user through the uninstallation of current networking hardware and effortless installation of the parent node, which connects to the ISP modem or gateway, then subsequent child nodes, to create a seamless and reliable Wi-Fi network.
After a successful setup, users will be automatically directed to the main dashboard of the Linksys app where they can confirm connection to the Internet and see how many devices are currently connected to Velop. The dashboard also provides quick access to their Wi-Fi name and password, guest access, parental controls, and device prioritization. The user can quickly email or text their guest network name and password to a friend, block the Xbox during homework time, or prioritize the Smart TV for movie night. The Linksys app is the single iOS and Android app for all Linksys app-enabled products including Max-Stream™ and Velop. The app is smart and versatile; it knows which Linksys hardware is present and provides access to the unique software features of that device.
Linksys, you guessed it, is also announcing that Velop works with Amazon Alexa for a voice-activated experience. Three new skills will be available at launch including turning guest access on and off, obtaining the guest Wi-Fi name and password, and getting the main network credentials, which are commonly forgotten.
Pricing and Availability:
The Linksys Velop Whole Home Wi-Fi is available for pre-order today at Amazon, Best Buy.com, and Linksys.com. Availability for purchase will begin Jan. 15, 2017 at Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, Fry’s, Newegg, Microcenter, Staples and Linksys.com. Velop comes with a 3-year warranty and 24/7 consumer support for added peace of mind.
Suggest Retail Prices:
- (1 Pack) WHW0301 – $199.99
- (2 Pack) WHW0302 – $349.99
- (3 pack) WHW0303 – $499.99